January 31, 2011

art night

How does a night with friends new and old, chocolate and wine, inspiration and laughter, a night full of art sound to you? Then come on over!

That's exactly what we've been serving up at my house on Friday nights. A completely casual, non-threatening, fun and encouraging environment with ladies (Guys are always welcome--but no kids!) of all skill and experience levels together, oohhing and aahhing over each others work, playing with paint and canvas.

I supply the paint, canvas, chocolate and wine and everyone else brings only an open mind and a heart willing to experience all of the joy--not to get too gushy, but there is real joy--healing and whatever else they need from the creative process. We have experienced artists and novices who've haven't touched a canvas in years or ever all working together and loving it. Like I said, this is a completely non-competitive and non-threatening environment. And the goal for the night is not to create an amazing work of art (although you will see it's happening!) but to discover the joy in the creative process. Seriously, I've never been so excited about anything in my life.

Since my little studio can't hold more than a couple of people at a time and we've been looking forward to some big groups, I've turned our living room into a working studio with color and inspiration everywhere you look.

So what do my realtor, a waitress at our favorite brew pub, neighbors and friends have in common? They are all having a blast at art night! And--even though it's not the point--just take a look at the amazing art coming out of it.

This is proof that when creative human beings--whether they believe they are creative or not--find themselves in a encouraging, enthusiastic, artistic environment where they can feel free to create, explore and experiment, beautiful things can happen and art is born.

(We were undecided if we liked Tina's painting better right side up or upside down with flowers dangling.)

For fun we even started putting a blank canvas on an easel at one end of the room as a collaborative effort. Whenever anyone feels stuck with their own painting, needs a break, or has extra paint on their pallet, they can go over to the easel and add their unique touch to our progressive work. It is everyone's favorite painting by the end of the night!

I'm already starting to recognize each person's unique contribution to our collaborative paintings. And I'm so excited to see how our art develops and everyone grows, in relationship to each other and as individuals as we continue our journey together. Originally, I imagined we would get together once a month, but everyone has begged to keep having it so we're getting together every week as long as people are willing. If you happen to be local or close to Pueblo and want to join us, shoot me an email (sidebar, top right). And if you think this is a fabulous idea that you want to see in your own neighborhood, I can't shout it loud enough: do it!! It may change someone's life. I'll keep you posted on how things develop and give you more tips for setting up your own art night!

Comments

Sounds like heaven. Something tells me that art night would not go over well in my own house, as my husband has OCD. But it's a lovely idea all the same.

Wow. This sounds great. Wish I was near Pueblo but I am in a rural spot in Arizona. I think the creativity shown here is fantastic and although I am not there, I am going to try painting like this on a canvas! Keep sharing and we'll feel a bit like we are there - now where's that brush and oh yeah, gotta get some chocolate!

Ok, if I start now, I might be there by friday night, lol. Awww, that looks like so much fun. They do something like that here & they charge $45 a night. Someone tried to get me to host one, but I don't have anywhere to do one. Everyone's paintings are amazing, wish I was there!

I am an art teacher in a primary school and one of the staff members has asked me to do something like this as a part of our after school social activities, I think I might now. I like the idea of the collaborative work too.
Also I love your lamp shade, it is beautiful. Did you paint it yourself?

MAILING LIST

If you would like to be added to my mailing list to be notified of new items as I add them to my Etsy shop, please send an email with "mailing list" in the subject line to littleblackkittyart(at)gmail(dot)com. Thank you!